Borough’s finest honoured (From Haringey Independent)

Borough’s finest honoured

2:55pm Thursday 22nd June 2006 in Education

An eminent professor, a school headteacher and a Comic Relief worker were among the Haringey residents recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours at the weekend.

Professor Irene Leigh, of Oakeshott Avenue, Highgate, was appointed OBE for services to medicine. Prof Leigh works in the field of cellular and molecular medicine, specialising in dermatology, skin cancer and genetic skin diseases and is based at Barts and The London Queen Mary's School of Medicine and Dentistry. Prof Leigh said: "I am thrilled to be awarded an OBE, which is a reflection of the contribution of the whole research team at the Centre for Cutaneous Research at Barts, and the Cancer Research UK skin tumour laboratory to understanding skin cancer, skin diseases and the cellular and molecular biology of the skin."

Gilly Green, of Seymour Road, Harringay, was appointed OBE for services to victims of domestic violence. Ms Green is UK grants manager at Comic Relief, a position she has held for 13 years. Ms Green previously worked in the voluntary sector, predominantly within the fields of housing and youth work, and is a member of Greater London Authority's Domestic Violence Strategy Advisory Group.

Miranda Oladeji, of Everington Road, Muswell Hill, was appointed an MBE. Mrs Oladeji is an administrative officer at Job Centre Plus, part of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Tony Hartney, headteacher at Gladesmore Community School, in Crowland Road, Tottenham, was appointed a CBE for services to education. Mr Hartney has been credited with turning around Gladesmore. A 2004 Ofsted reported noted: "Leadership is very good overall; that of the headteacher is excellent."

Mr Hartney said: "I'm delighted, whilst at the same time humbled, that the achievements at Gladesmore have been recognised. This award is a great tribute to the hard work of the staff, their skills and dedication which have transformed the school and the educational opportunities of the young people of Tottenham. I feel very fortunate and privileged to work with them."

Councillor Liz Santry, executive member for young people, said: "We are delighted for Tony Hartney and for the school. This is a tremendous honour and very well deserved. It demonstrates what can be achieved by inspired leadership and a clear commitment to setting the school at the heart of its community."